Speech Language Pathologist

Overview

Description The Speech Language Pathologist provides comprehensive diagnostic services to patients referred for a possible speech, language, hearing, and/or swallowing disorder. With physician referral and approval, treatment plans are implemented to address communication barriers and enable each individual to reach his or her maximum level of independence.

The following is a summary of major essential functions of the Speech Language Pathologist. Other duties may be performed as permitted by Texas laws and regulations adopted by the state agencies that are not mentioned here. Specific functions may, from time to time, change. These functions include:

• Performs comprehensive evaluations of referred clients using standardized testing tools. Documents results in format approved by facility.
• Provides speech therapy for all types of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing disorders.
• Completes all documentation that is required for each patient (progress notes, summaries, re-evaluations).
• Communicates to physicians, appropriate members of staff, patient and family members regarding patient needs and progress, either by documentation or, if necessary, direct contact.
• Supplies billing information to appropriate staff, in a proper and timely manner for all patient procedures.
• Participates in and attends rehabilitation team conferences and clinic staff meetings as scheduled.
• Provides supervision for and co-signs documentation for staff Speech Language Assistants.
• Observes patient confidentiality and follows HIPAA guidelines.
• Monitors inventory of supplies and equipment. Requests orders of needed supplies and equipment in a timely manner to avoid emergency ordering.
• Keeps informed of changes and innovation in the field through professional contacts, literature, and workshops.
• Continually pursue professional growth and act as a resource for expertise in the Speech field.
• Assumes personal responsibility for professional development and continuing education.
• Provides education and counseling to patients and their families that will reinforce the therapy provided in the clinic.
• Provides education related to Speech Therapy to staff and the general public upon request.
• Attends and actively participates in or arranges make-up for all mandatory meetings and in-services when required.
• Suggests and develops new patient programs and ideas for treatment as appropriate.
• Demonstrates skills of effective time management.
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal communications skills while maintaining standards of professional ethics.
• Must be able to treat patients who exhibit challenging and aggressive behaviors and recognize that these behaviors are a mode of communication rather than an untreatable condition.
• Follows all ATC Policy & Procedures.
• Performs other duties as delegated, required, or requested.

• Meets the education and experience requirements for a Certificate of Clinical Competence in (speech pathology or audiology) granted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
• Meets the educational requirements for certification and is in the process of accumulating the supervised experience required for certification.
• Competent to treat pediatrics and adolescents.
• CPR certification for all age groups.